Set amongst the rugged Scottish Borders, midway between Selkirk and Moffat, is St Mary’s Loch – my favourite place to stroll, throw stones into the water and clear my head. As we pull the car up, I can feel myself start to relax and breath slower. No matter what season, the thing that hits you is the fresh, clean air, and although it’s a favourite and familiar spot, it’s never the same. The colours and light are always changing.

My daughters run straight from the car down to the water, exploring the shoreline and jumping off the small grass banks. They venture under the stone bridge if they’re feeling brave, always on the look out for a troll, shrieking when Daddy jumps out on them.

It’s not really about taking a proper walk, more a gentle stroll, yet I always leave feeling refreshed, and like I’ve earned a cup of tea and a sugary bite.

On our way home we stop at nearby Innerleithen and, depending on the weather, pop into The Whistle Stop Café for a warming hot chocolate or cool down with an ice cream from the busy Caldwell’s Ice Cream parlour.

Image courtesy of Hugh Simmons on Flickr